HAFNIAN ZIRCONS

Journal Article · Sat Jun 17 00:00:00 EDT 1961 · Nature

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1038/1901098a0· OSTI ID:4065319

von Knorring, O; Hornung, G

Two hafnia zircons were examined in detail, one from Mtoko in Southern Rhodesia, containing 21% HfO/sub 2/, and the other from Karibib in South-West Africa, with 31% HfO/sub 2/. In both cases the zircons are associated with the later tantalum-rich phase of mineralization. The Mtoko zircon forms small, mauve- colored, independent crystals in the albitic zone of the pegmatite. The zircon from Karibib occurs in larger reddish-brown masses, partly intergrown with minute manganotantalite crystals and set in a matrix of lithium-bearing mica, albite, quartz and kaolinized feldspar. Some crystals show dominant pyramid faces, with a suppressed prism. Both zircons exhibit an intense golden-yellow fluorescence in UV light. The zircon from Karibib was found to be only weakly radioactive. Data are given concerning various properties of the two zircons. (P.C.H.)

• Research Organization: Univ. of Leeds, Eng.
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• NSA Number: NSA-15-022548
• OSTI ID: 4065319
• Journal Information: Nature, Vol. Vol: 190; Other Information: Orig. Receipt Date: 31-DEC-61
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

GEOLOGY, MINERALOGY, AND METEOROLOGY
ALBITE
ALUMINUM SILICATES
COLOR
CONFIGURATION
CRYSTALS
FELDSPARS
FLUORESCENCE
HAFNIUM OXIDES
IGNEOUS ROCKS
LATTICES
LITHIUM
MANGANESE
MICA
MINERALS
PEGMATITES
QUANTITY RATIO
QUARTZ
RADIOACTIVITY
SILICATES
SODIUM SILICATES
TANTALUM
ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION
ZIRCONIUM SILICATES